Indian Journal of Pathology: Research and Practice

Context: Ectopic pregnancy is defined as any pregnancy in which fertilized ovum implants outside the uterus. Commonest site is fallopian tubes (90–95%), majority in the ampulla or isthmic portions and the major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in first trimester of pregnancy. Aims: To study the histopathological changes in fallopian tube in ectopic pregnancy and correlate the changes with age group, parity and to recognise the pre disposing risk factors such as acute and chronic salpingitis, salpingitis isthmica nodosa, granulomas and other related findings. Settings and Design: This study was conducted on resected specimens of fallopian tube/tubal mass of ectopic pregnancy received in the department of pathology, B.R.D. Medical College, Gorakhpur. Methods and Material: Each fallopian tube was inspected grossly for products of conception and length was noted and sectioned at 3-5 mm intervals and fixed in 10% formalin. Sections were stained with H & E stain and examined microscopically. Statistical analysis used: Prospective cross-sectional Results: Total 100 cases were studied, 98% were of tubal ectopic in which ampullary in 66.33% cases. Age of patients ranged from 19-44 years with mean age 24.4 years. Maximum 69% cases were of 21-30 years, 59% of rural areas, 76% Hindu, 56% of low socio-economic status, 31% with parity two, 69.18% involve right tube, 60.2% were ruptured tube. Commonest trophoblastic infiltration was stage III (38.8%). Conclusions: Histopathology plays a crucial role in confirming ectopic pregnancy and identification of risk factors. Commonest risk factors were pelvic inflammatory disease in 28% and abortion in 10% cases. Chronic salpingitis was in 46.05% and acute salpingitis in 23.68% cases. Key Messages: Histopathology plays a crucial role in confirming ectopic pregnancy and identification of risk factors. Early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy can prevent rupture and unruptured ectopic pregnancy can be treated conservatively.

Context: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a 2nd generation platelet concentrate. It contains high levels of growth factors (GF) and is used to treat various diseases. Aims: To estimate the concentrations of Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in PRF and to compare them in different age groups. Settings and Design: Samples were collected randomly from 28 healthy subjects. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: Group A - 18 to 27 years and group B - 28 to 65 years. Methods and Material: PRF preparation - 10 ml of whole blood was collected without anticoagulant and was centrifuged at 700 g for 12 minutes. The PRF clot was formed in the middle of the tube. The PRF clot was then centrifuged at 10,000 g for 15 minutes for obtaining the PRF releasate and was frozen at - 800C. Estimation of PDGF and VEGF was done using ELISA method and were evaluated. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics like mean, median, standard deviation and ranges were calculated. An unpaired t-test was used to compare Group A and Group B. Results: The mean concentrations of both growth factors were higher in group A. The difference in the concentration of VEGF was statistically significant (P Value - 0.0478). Conclusions: A major advantage of PRF is its autologous nature. However, the concentrations of these two growth factors were higher in the younger age group which supports the use of allogeneous PRF in treatment of older patients. Key Messages: Considering the higher growth factor concentration in the younger age group, this study may influence our opinion towards using allogenic PRF for therapy in the older population. However, a larger case control investigation is necessary to substantiate the findings.

Background: The presence of a breast lump is a prevalent issue that can affect individuals of all ages, from adolescence to old age. The lump can range in severity from benign to malignant. Among the malignant tumours that affect females, breast carcinoma is a leading cause of death worldwide. An early and correct diagnosis of a breast lump is crucial for saving a person's life. In resource limited settings, managing breast lumps can be a difficult task. Materials and Methods: The results obtained from FNAC of palpable breast lumps examined at our department's FNAC from January 2020 to December 2022 were collected and compared to the findings from the excisional biopsies of the same lumps. Result: A total of 325 patients had FNAC of breast lumps during the 2 years period, among which 276 were females and 49 were males. Fine needle Aspiration cytology was performed on 325 cases, and out of these, 270 cases were received in the department for histopathological examination. Out of the total of 325 cases of fine needle aspiration, benign cases were 284 (87.38%), malignant and suspicious were 33 (10.15%) and 8 (1.54%), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the present study were 98.36%, 96.77%, 91.84%, 91.84%, and 97.27%, respectively. Conclusion: FNAC is a vital initial diagnostic test for palpable breast lumps. The results of breast FNACs are highly comparable to the histology of excisional biopsies, and when performed by an experienced pathologist, it is extremely valuable in managing breast lumps. FNAC is a safe, straightforward, and cost-effective outpatient procedure that is associated with minimal complications. When used in conjunction with histopathological correlation, it improves diagnostic accuracy, which enables physicians to make an early diagnosis and provide specific treatment, thus reducing morbidity and mortality.